Ford Kuga 3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
231–242 PS
2.0L EcoBoost Benzin
Power Kuga
Decent190 PS
2.0L EcoBlue Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Ford Kuga 3 is available with 7 engine variants — from 120 to 242 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Ford 1.5L EcoBlue (Diesel, 120 PS) has the EcoBlue-1.5-Kuga3 (1.5L EcoBlue) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
The Ford 2.0L EcoBlue (Diesel, 190 PS) has the YMDA (2.0L EcoBlue) — rated: "Stay Away!", 8 known weaknesses.
The Ford 1.5L EcoBoost (Benziner, 120–151 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M8MA (2019–2024, Be Careful) und M8MA (2019–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.5L EcoBoost!
The Ford 2.0L EcoBoost (Benziner, 231 PS) has the R9MA (2.0L EcoBoost) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Ford 2.5L Duratec Atkinson (Benziner Hybrid, 190 PS) has the BGDA (2.5L Duratec Atkinson) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The Ford 2.5L Duratec Atkinson (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 152–225 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BGDA (2019–2024, Stay Away!) und BGDA (2019–2024, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.5L Duratec Atkinson!
The Ford 2.0L EcoBlue MHEV (Diesel Mild-Hybrid, 150 PS) has the YLDC (2.0L EcoBlue MHEV) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall PHEV: fire risk from faulty high-voltage battery The Kuga PHEV (plug-in hybrid) was recalled multiple times for fire risk. Faulty charge regulation or defective battery cells can cause overheating and vehicle fire. Multiple separate recall actions up to 2025. | Low | |
| Recall: connecting rod bearing defect in 2.5-litre engine with fire risk In 2022 Ford recalled over 36,000 German Kuga PHEV and FHEV vehicles because a defective connecting rod bearing can damage the engine block. Oil can reach hot exhaust components — significant fire risk. As an immediate measure the grille was modified rather than replacing the bearing. Symptoms: Engine oil warning; oil loss; engine noise; in extreme cases smoke or smell of burning. | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 49 weaknesses have been documented for the Ford Kuga 3 (2019–2024) — 42 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: R9MA (2.0L EcoBoost), YMDA (2.0L EcoBlue), BGDA (2.5L Duratec Atkinson). Typical issues affect Other, Gearbox, Cooling, Electronics.
Kuga (EcoBlue-1.5-Kuga3, 2019–2022) — Be Careful: Injector Problems: Juddering and Knocking, Recall: Camshaft sprocket material fatigue (16B42), EGR cooler crack with coolant ingress. Power: 120 PS.
Kuga (YMDA, 2019–2024) — Stay Away!: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Belt Clogs Oil Pump Strainer. Power: 190 PS.
Kuga (M8MA, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress, Oil Pump Timing Belt Degradation, Head Gasket Leak. Power: 175–182 PS.
Kuga (M8MA, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress, Oil Pump Timing Belt Degradation, Head Gasket Leak. Power: 120 PS.
Kuga (M8MA, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Cylinder Liner Crack — Coolant Ingress, Oil Pump Timing Belt Degradation, Head Gasket Leak. Power: 150–151 PS.
Kuga (R9MA, 2019–2021) — Stay Away!: Low-Pressure Fuel Pump (LPFP) Failure, Hairline Cracks in Engine Block (Coolant Loss), Hairline Crack in Engine Block — Coolant Entering Combustion Chamber. Power: 231 PS.
Kuga (BGDA, 2020–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall 2020: High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk (Samsung SDI Contamination), Recall 24S79 (2024): Internal Short Circuit High-Voltage Battery, Turbocharger VGT Wear. Power: 190 PS.
Kuga (BGDA, 2019–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall 2020: High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk (Samsung SDI Contamination), Recall 24S79 (2024): Internal Short Circuit High-Voltage Battery, Turbocharger VGT Wear. Power: 150–152 PS.
Kuga (BGDA, 2019–2024) — Stay Away!: Recall 2020: High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk (Samsung SDI Contamination), Recall 24S79 (2024): Internal Short Circuit High-Voltage Battery, Turbocharger VGT Wear. Power: 225 PS.
Kuga (YLDC, 2020–2022) — Be Careful: Continental Injector Coating Defect (2019), DPF Clogging from Injector Soot Ingestion, Oil Bath Timing Belt — Debris Clogs Oil Strainer. Power: 150 PS.
What to watch out for with the Ford Kuga? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee